Modular crossbow

ABSTRACT

A modular crossbow for shooting a bolt and a method of customizing thereof. One modular crossbow comprises a tiller; a prod comprising a bow and a bow string, the bow attached to the tiller by a prod fastener at a predefined prod location; and a trigger mechanism attached to the tiller by a trigger mechanism fastener at a predefined trigger mechanism location, the trigger mechanism arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked position and allow shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string. The prod fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined prod location along the tiller, and the trigger mechanism fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined trigger mechanism location along the tiller.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/400,014 filed on Mar. 9, 2009, which is incorporated hereinby reference, and claims the benefit thereof.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of sport appliances, and moreparticularly, to a modular crossbow.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Crossbows serve various purposes, depending on aims, field conditions,users and regulatory circumstances.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular crossbow forshooting a bolt. One modular crossbow comprises: a tiller; a prodcomprising a bow and a bow string, the bow attached to the tiller by aprod fastener at a predefined prod location; and a trigger mechanismattached to the tiller by a trigger mechanism fastener at a predefinedtrigger mechanism location, the trigger mechanism arranged to hold thebow string in a cocked position and allow shooting the bolt by releasingthe bow string. The prod fastener is configured to allow changing thepredefined prod location along the tiller, and the trigger mechanismfastener is configured to allow changing the predefined triggermechanism location along the tiller.

Accordingly, according to aspects of the present invention, there isprovided a modular crossbow further comprising any of a handle, a butt,bases for supporting bolts, a magazine, and rail interface systems.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of customizing acrossbow for shooting a bolt to a user and circumstances. One methodcomprises: modularly mounting a prod and a trigger mechanism on a tillerat predefined locations; and adjusting the locations in respect to theuser and the circumstances. The modularly mounting is carried out byusing adjustable fasteners for mounting the prod and the triggermechanism.

These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the presentinvention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows;possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable bypractice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more readily understood from the detaileddescription of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIGS. 1 to 7 are schematic illustrations of a modular crossbow forshooting a bolt, according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate various fasteners for holding tracks andelements of the modular crossbow, according to some embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic high level flowchart illustrating a method ofcustomizing a crossbow for shooting a bolt to a user and circumstances,according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced orcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIGS. 1 to 7 are schematic illustrations of a modular crossbow 100 forshooting a bolt 99, according to some embodiments of the invention.FIGS. 2 to 5 are perspective views in various configurations of modularcrossbow 100, FIG. 6 is an exploded view, FIG. 7 is a bottom view.Modular crossbow 100 comprises a tiller 125, a prod 140 and a triggermechanism 160. Prod 140 comprises a bow 141 and a bow string (notshown), bow 141 is attached to tiller 125 by a prod fastener 142 at apredefined prod location 143. Trigger mechanism 160 is attached totiller 125 by a trigger mechanism fastener 152 at a predefined triggermechanism location 153. Trigger mechanism 160 is arranged to hold thebow string in a cocked position and allow shooting bolt 99 (see FIG. 5)by releasing bow string 150. Prod fastener 142 is configured to allowchanging the predefined prod location 143 along tiller 125. Triggermechanism fastener 152 is configured to allow changing predefinedtrigger mechanism location 153 along tiller 125.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100further comprises a handle 111 attached to tiller 125 by a handlefastener 112 at a predefined handle location 113, wherein handlefastener 112 is configured to allow changing predefined handle location113 along tiller 125.

According to some embodiments of the invention, tiller 125 may furthercomprise two parallel tracks 120, one at either side of bolt 99.Alternatively, tracks 120 may be posited above bolt 99 or at a lateralconfiguration. Tracks 120 may comprise a single track, below, above orlateral to bolt 99. For example, the single track may be posited on aperpendicular plane comprising bolt 99. Track configuration may beselected to optimize strength and usability considerations. According tosome embodiments of the invention, tiller 125 may comprises a proximalend 126 and a distal end 127, and further comprising a butt 110 attachedto proximal end 126 of the tiller 125.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100further comprises a basis 161 attached to the tiller by a basis fastener162 (in this example, comprising two pieces) at a predefined basislocation 163. Basis 161 is arranged to support bolt 99, and may bearranged to support bolt 99 from below bolt 99 or, in particular, fromabove bolt 99. Supporting bolt 99 from above allow loading bolts 99 frombelow tiller 125 and thereby leaving a free line of sight above tiller125.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100further comprises a set of bases 161 of varying lengths (set not shown),arranged to be attachable to tiller 125 by basis fastener 162 at thesame or at different predefined basis locations 163. Various bases 161may be used and replaced for each other responsive to various users ofthe modular crossbow, local regulations, aims, and so forth. Bases 161may be preloaded with bolts 99, allowing quick loading simultaneouslywith exchanging bases 161. In particular, basis fastener 162 may beconfigured to allow changing predefined basis location 163 along tiller125. Alternatively, modular crossbow 100 may be used without any basis161 at all, e.g., using a magazine.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100further comprises at least one rail interface system 174, such as aPicatinny rail connected to prod 140 or to distal end 127 of tiller 125.Rail interface systems 174 may be used to connect accessories such as aflashlight, sights, grips, a bipod, and optical equipment.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100further comprises at least one laser sight 176 attached below prod 140,to tiller 125, or to rail interface system 174. For example, modularcrossbow 100 may comprise two or more laser sights 176 configured fordifferent ranges, e.g., with different colors.

According to some embodiments of the invention, tracks 120 may compriseslits 166 (see FIG. 6) arranged to improve the holding of: prod fastener142; trigger mechanism fastener 152; handle fastener 112; basis fastener162; and other fasteners. Slits 166 may designate locations forfasteners 182 along tracks 120.

According to some embodiments of the invention, tracks 120 may have atelescopic structure, or may comprise several track elements connectableto each other, both versions allowing changing the length of track 120.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C illustrate various fasteners 182, 152 for holdingtracks 120 and elements of modular crossbow 100, according to someembodiments of the invention. Fastener 182 comprises a middle part 179and two protrusions 178, each with a holder 180 arranged to releasablyhold tracks 120. For example, holder 180 may have a hole 184 goingthrough protrusion 178 and a fastening element 181 allowing thefastening and release of holder 180. Releasing holder 180 allows movingfastener 182 along tracks 120, or removing the fastener from tracks 120.Middle part 179 may be modified to hold various parts of modularcrossbow 100, thereby configuring fastener 182 to function as: prodfastener 142; trigger mechanism fastener 152; handle fastener 112; andbasis fastener 162. Fastener 182 may be constructed to hold any numberof tracks, such as one, two or three tracks. Two fasteners 182 may bejoined to hold a part of modular crossbow 100, such as rail interfacesystem 174 (FIG. 8B), basis 161 (see basis fastener 162 in FIG. 6), ortrigger mechanism 160 (see trigger mechanism fastener 152) asexemplified in FIG. 8C, wherein trigger mechanism 160 is fitted intocavity 185 in middle part 179. The hold of fastener 182 may be improvedby slits 166 (see FIG. 6). Slits 166 may designate locations forfasteners 182 along tracks 120.

According to some embodiments of the invention, modular crossbow 100further comprises a magazine (not shown) attached to tiller 125 by amagazine fastener (not shown) at a predefined magazine location (notshown). The magazine may be arranged to hold several bolts 99 at variouspositions, wherein at least one position allows shooting bolt 99 byreleasing the bow string from a cocked position. The magazine fastenermay be configured to allow changing predefined magazine locations alongtiller 125.

FIG. 9 is a schematic high level flowchart illustrating a method ofcustomizing a crossbow for shooting a bolt to a user and circumstances,according to some embodiments of the invention. The method comprises thefollowing stages: modularly mounting a prod and a trigger mechanism on atiller at predefined locations (stage 200); and adjusting the locationsin respect to the user and the circumstances (stage 210). Modularlymounting (stage 200) is carried out by using adjustable fasteners formounting the prod and the trigger mechanism (stage 201).

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method furthercomprises modularly mounting a basis on the tiller, the basis arrangedto support the bolt, and the basis selected in relation to the user andthe circumstances (stage 215). The basis may be arranged to support thebolt from below the bolt or, in particular, from above the bolt.Supporting the bolt from above allow loading bolts from below the tillerand thereby leaving a free line of sight above the tiller. The basis maybe selected from a set of bases of varying lengths and arranged to beattachable to the tiller at the same or at different predefined basislocations. Various bases may be used and be replaced for each otherresponsive to various users of the modular crossbow, local regulations,aims, and so forth.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method furthercomprises modularly mounting a magazine arranged to hold a plurality ofbolts at a plurality of positions (stage 220). At least one positionallows shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string from a cockedposition. The magazine may be arranged to allow optimal functionality ofthe modular crossbow.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method furthercomprises modularly mounting a handle on the tiller at a locationselected in relation to the user and the circumstances (stage 225). Themethod may further comprise modularly mounting a butt onto the tiller ina position related to the user and circumstances.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method furthercomprises connecting at least one rail interface system to either thetiller or the prod (stage 230). The rail interface system may be used toconnect accessories such as a flashlight, sights, grips, a bipod, andoptical equipment to the tiller or to the prod.

In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementationof the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “anembodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to thesame embodiments.

Although various features of the invention may be described in thecontext of a single embodiment, the features may also be providedseparately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although theinvention may be described herein in the context of separate embodimentsfor clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a singleembodiment.

Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”,“one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but notnecessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employedherein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptivepurpose only.

The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may bebetter understood with reference to the accompanying description,figures and examples.

It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construea limitation to an application of the invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carriedout or practiced in various ways and that the invention can beimplemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in thedescription above.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”,“consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude theaddition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers orgroups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifyingcomponents, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, thatdoes not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to“a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there isonly one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that acomponent, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can”or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure,or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may beused to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to thosediagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow neednot move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the sameorder as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing orcompleting manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selectedsteps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and proceduresfor accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, thosemanners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readilydeveloped from known manners, means, techniques and procedures bypractitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in theclaims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting butrather as illustrative only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to becommonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which theinvention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice withmethods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles,referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated intheir entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if eachindividual publication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of anyreference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shallnot be construed as an admission that such reference is available asprior art to the present invention.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on thescope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of thepreferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, andapplications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly,the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus farbeen described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

1. A modular crossbow for shooting a bolt comprising: a tiller; a prod comprising a bow and a bow string, the bow attached to the tiller by a prod fastener at a predefined prod location; and a trigger mechanism attached to the tiller by a trigger mechanism fastener at a predefined trigger mechanism location, the trigger mechanism arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked position and allow shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string, wherein the prod fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined prod location along the tiller, and wherein the trigger mechanism fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined trigger mechanism location along the tiller.
 2. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the tiller by a handle fastener at a predefined handle location, wherein the handle fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined handle location along the tiller.
 3. The modular crossbow of claim 1, wherein the tiller comprises a proximal end and a butt attached to the proximal end of the tiller.
 4. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising a basis attached to the tiller by a basis fastener at a predefined basis location, wherein the basis is arranged to support the bolt.
 5. The modular crossbow of claim 4, wherein the basis is arranged to support the bolt from below the bolt.
 6. The modular crossbow of claim 4, wherein the basis is arranged to support the bolt from above the bolt.
 7. The modular crossbow of claim 4, further comprising a set of bases of varying lengths, arranged to be attachable to the tiller by the basis fastener.
 8. The modular crossbow of claim 4, wherein the basis fastener is configured to allow changing the predefined basis location along the tiller.
 9. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising at least one rail interface system.
 10. The modular crossbow of claim 9, wherein at least one rail interface system is connected to the prod.
 11. The modular crossbow of claim 9, wherein the tiller comprises a proximal end and a distal end and wherein at least one rail interface system is connected to the distal end of the tiller.
 12. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising a magazine attached to the tiller by a magazine fastener at a predefined magazine location, wherein the magazine is arranged to hold a plurality of bolt at a plurality of positions, wherein at least one position allows shooting the bolt by releasing the bow string from a cocked position.
 13. The modular crossbow of claim 1, wherein the tiller comprises two parallel tracks, one at either side of the bolt.
 14. The modular crossbow of claim 1, further comprising at least one laser sight attached below the prod.
 15. The modular crossbow of claim 14, wherein at least two laser sights configured for different ranges are attached below the prod.
 16. A method of customizing a crossbow for shooting a bolt to a user and circumstances, the method comprising: modularly mounting a prod and a trigger mechanism on a tiller at predefined locations; and adjusting the locations in respect to the user and the circumstances, wherein the modularly mounting is carried out by using adjustable fasteners for mounting the prod and the trigger mechanism.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising modularly mounting a basis on the tiller, the basis arranged to support the bolt, and the basis selected in relation to the user and the circumstances.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising modularly mounting a magazine arranged to hold a plurality of bolts at a plurality of positions.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising modularly mounting a handle on the tiller at a location selected in relation to the user and the circumstances.
 20. A fastener for a modular crossbow with at least one track, comprising: a middle part arranged to hold a part of the modular crossbow; and at least one protrusion, each comprising a holder arranged to releasably hold the at least one track, wherein releasing the holder allows at least one of: moving the fastener along the at least one track, removing the fastener from the at least one track. 